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At this time, we’re asserting LocalStack integration within the AWS Toolkit for Visible Studio Code that makes it simpler than ever for builders to check and debug serverless functions regionally. This enhancement builds upon our latest enhancements to the AWS Lambda improvement expertise, together with the console to IDE integration and distant debugging capabilities we launched in July 2025, persevering with our dedication to simplify serverless improvement on Amazon Internet Companies (AWS).
When constructing serverless functions, builders sometimes give attention to three key areas to streamline their testing expertise: unit testing, integration testing, and debugging sources operating within the cloud. Though AWS Serverless Utility Mannequin Command Line Interface (AWS SAM CLI) gives glorious native unit testing capabilities for particular person Lambda capabilities, builders working with event-driven architectures that contain a number of AWS companies, corresponding to Amazon Easy Queue Service (Amazon SQS), Amazon EventBridge, and Amazon DynamoDB, want a complete answer for native integration testing. Though LocalStack supplied native emulation of AWS companies, builders needed to beforehand handle it as a standalone software, requiring complicated configuration and frequent context switching between a number of interfaces, which slowed down the event cycle.
LocalStack integration in AWS Toolkit for VS Code
To deal with these challenges, we’re introducing LocalStack integration so builders can join AWS Toolkit for VS Code on to LocalStack endpoints. With this integration, builders can take a look at and debug serverless functions with out switching between instruments or managing complicated LocalStack setups. Builders can now emulate end-to-end event-driven workflows involving companies corresponding to Lambda, Amazon SQS, and EventBridge regionally, while not having to handle a number of instruments, carry out complicated endpoint configurations, or take care of service boundary points that beforehand required connecting to cloud sources.
The important thing good thing about this integration is that AWS Toolkit for VS Code can now hook up with customized endpoints corresponding to LocalStack, one thing that wasn’t doable earlier than. Beforehand, to level AWS Toolkit for VS Code to their LocalStack atmosphere, builders needed to carry out guide configuration and context switching between instruments.
Getting began with LocalStack in VS Code is easy. Builders can start with the LocalStack Free model, which gives native emulation for core AWS companies ultimate for early-stage improvement and testing. Utilizing the guided software walkthrough in VS Code, builders can set up LocalStack immediately from the toolkit interface, which routinely installs the LocalStack extension and guides them by way of the setup course of. When it’s configured, builders can deploy serverless functions on to the emulated atmosphere and take a look at their capabilities regionally, all with out leaving their IDE.
Let’s strive it out
First, I’ll replace my copy of the AWS Toolkit for VS Code to the newest model. As soon as, I’ve completed this, I can see a brand new choice once I go to Utility Builder and click on on Walkthrough of Utility Builder. This enables me to put in LocalStack with a single click on.
As soon as I’ve accomplished the setup for LocalStack, I can begin it up from the standing bar after which I’ll have the ability to choose LocalStack from the listing of my configured AWS profiles. On this illustration, I’m utilizing Utility Composer to construct a easy serverless structure utilizing Amazon API Gateway, Lambda, and DynamoDB. Usually, I’d deploy this to AWS utilizing AWS SAM. On this case, I’m going to make use of the identical AWS SAM command to deploy my stack regionally.
I simply do `sam deploy –guided –profile localstack` from the command line and comply with the standard prompts. Deploying to LocalStack utilizing AWS SAM CLI gives the very same expertise I’m used to when deploying to AWS. Within the screenshot under, I can see the usual output from AWS SAM, in addition to my new LocalStack sources listed within the AWS Toolkit Explorer.
I may even go in to a Lambda perform and edit the perform code I’ve deployed regionally!
Over on the LocalStack web site, I can login and check out all of the sources I’ve operating regionally. Within the screenshot under, you may see the native DynamoDB desk I simply deployed.
Enhanced improvement workflow
These new capabilities complement our not too long ago launched console-to-IDE integration and distant debugging options, making a complete improvement expertise that addresses totally different testing wants all through the event lifecycle. AWS SAM CLI gives glorious native testing for particular person Lambda capabilities, dealing with unit testing eventualities successfully. For integration testing, the LocalStack integration permits testing of multiservice workflows regionally with out the complexity of AWS Identification and Entry Administration (IAM) permissions, Amazon Digital Non-public Cloud (Amazon VPC) configurations, or service boundary points that may decelerate improvement velocity.
When builders want to check utilizing AWS companies in improvement environments, they’ll use our distant debugging capabilities, which give full entry to Amazon VPC sources and IAM roles. This tiered strategy frees up builders to give attention to enterprise logic throughout early improvement phases utilizing LocalStack, then seamlessly transition to cloud-based testing when they should validate in opposition to AWS service behaviors and configurations. The combination eliminates the necessity to change between a number of instruments and environments, so builders can determine and repair points sooner whereas sustaining the pliability to decide on the suitable testing strategy for his or her particular wants.
Now accessible
You can begin utilizing these new options by way of the AWS Toolkit for VS Code by updating to v3.74.0. The LocalStack integration is on the market in all business AWS Areas besides AWS GovCloud (US) Areas. To be taught extra, go to the AWS Toolkit for VS Code and Lambda documentation.
For builders who want broader service protection or superior capabilities, LocalStack gives further tiers with expanded options. There are not any further prices from AWS for utilizing this integration.
These enhancements symbolize one other important step ahead in our ongoing dedication to simplifying the serverless improvement expertise. Over the previous yr, we’ve centered on making VS Code the software of alternative for serverless builders, and this LocalStack integration continues that journey by offering instruments for builders to construct and take a look at serverless functions extra effectively than ever earlier than.